The Big 3-Oh

David's actual birthday isn't until Tuesday, but my family is coming in to town this weekend to celebrate my husband being just 20 years younger than my parents. Ha! I haven't told him that yet - I have to remember it so I can tease him later.

He doesn't care that he's turning 30. He said that since he's married and has a stable career he's pretty set. He does, however, agree that it's time to start a family. So, this could be the year! If you know me, you know how excited the prospect of popping out babies makes me. Not so much the "popping" part, but the "Mommy full-time" part makes my insides glow with maternal bliss.

I'm laughing right now because David's at home today (flex day Friday) and he's doing a really, really big favor for me. He just unwrapped the young whole chicken that was thawing in the fridge, dug out the innards (which actually turned out to be just a couple of what he described as "pads" to keep it fresh), and put in in the crockpot with a little Old Bay Seasoning and water. I guess it's still slightly frozen about 1/2" down ([is that okspike427]?). Anyway, he was grossed out and it made me laugh.

So tomorrow is his birthday dinner with my family. For it, he requested the following:

• Steak
• Baked Potatoes
• Caesar Salad
• Green peas
• Onion Strings
• Crescent Rolls

Dessert is homemade chocolate cake with chocolate ganache and vanilla ice cream (I bought vanilla bean and french vanilla so that David can finally decide which one he likes better).

Raise your hand if you think he will run out of room on his plate *raises hand*

I made the onion strings a couple of weeks ago when we had company over for dinner. They were AMAZING. I'll share with you the recipe or, if you're familiar with the Pioneer Woman, you may have already seen this recipe:

ONION STRINGS link will open in a new window
1 Large Onion
2 Cups Buttermilk
2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
Slightly less than 1 Tbsp Salt
A LOT of Black Pepper
1/4 to 1/2 t Cayenne Pepper
1 to 2 quarts Canola Oil

1. Slice onion very thin. Place in a baking dish and cover with buttermilk for at least one hour.

2. Combine dry ingredients and set aside.

3. Heat oil to 375 degrees on Medium High heat (this will take a WHILE. Use a candy thermometer to watch the temp and remove when it reaches 375)

4. With tongs, remove about a handful of onions from the buttermilk and throw them into the flour mixture. Tap on side of bowl to remove excess.

5. Plunge into hot oil. Fry for a few minutes and remove when golden brown.

6. Repeat with another onion. Trust me, you'll probably want to devour all of them by yourself. They're that good.

Tomorrow:
Donuts for breakfast.
Women shop.
Men Xbox.
Dinner.
Dessert.
Games.

I love having family at my house! David's going to have a great birthday! :)

What's your ideal birthday meal?